Limerick's Troy Studios in line to become Ireland's reality television hub

LIMERICK'S Troy Studios is set to become Ireland's reality television hub after a major new deal was signed this week.

Media and production company BiggerStage has announced a multi-million euro agreement with the facility at the former Dell factory in Castletroy, and the world's largest studio operator, the MBS Group to open a global unscripted production hub in Limerick.

Under the, both parties will invest to attract major international television formats to Limerick, with BiggerStage producing projects on the ground while supporting training and skills development.

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Troy Studios will also be a home for the development of intellectual properties - providing a place where pilot shows can be filmed.

A television pilot is a standalone, initial episode produced to test a show's concept, characters, and tone before a network commits to a full season.

Pat Kiely, the chief executive and founder of BiggerStage said: "We are truly entering a golden age for the television industry in Ireland. Europe's first unscripted tax credit will help Ireland compete more effectively on the world stage to become the home of global formats, the fastest growing area of television production. This investment in Troy Studio will allow us offer a world class base for international production. Irish crews are renowned as the best in the business and we look forward to creating a sustainable centre of excellence in Limerick, surrounded by great infrastructure, expanding centres of learning and a brilliant hospitality industry. Ireland’s creative industry is on a real high; never has there been a better time to expand our global offering and drive more investment in jobs, training, development and infrastructure."

Limerick TD and Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan added: "This announcement is yet another strong signal that Ireland is open, competitive and ambitious when it comes to investment in the creative services sector. The creation of a global hub for unscripted production at Troy Studios will not only attract major international players to Limerick, it illustrates how Ireland has the infrastructure, talent, creativity and production expertise to lead in this space."

Jason Hariton, chief studio and real estate Officer at MBS Group said: "We look forward to continuing our work with the BiggerStage team to ensure they have the technical equipment and resources required to continue their leading role in the growth and success of Ireland’s vibrant screen industry."

Managing director of Troy Studios Elaine Geraghty believed the deal puts Limerick at the forefront of global television production.

"Together, we are dedicated to building a global production hub that will benefit the creative sector, generate employment, and deliver outstanding original content for audiences worldwide," she added.

Alastair Boucaut, of Hackman Capital Partners, which owns and operates Troy Studios said: "We are thrilled and delighted that BiggerStage has made a long-term commitment to Troy Studios. Our facility was built to welcome bold and innovative companies like BiggerStage that have proven international production success. This collaboration will bring exciting projects to Ireland and strengthen the country’s creative industry."